Monday - Judges 3 - Othniel, Ehud & Shamgar

So, we here commence the study of the various judges of Israel. A dozen or so individuals were used by God over a 250+ year period to deliver Israel from a variety of enemies.

In response to the sins of His people, God allowed Chushanrishathaim (can I call him Chushi?) to invade and enslave the nation. After 8 years of oppression, the nation did finally cry out to God for mercy and aide. In response, God called the first Judge to deliver them.  He selected Othniel (Caleb's nephew) to lead in war against Chushi, King of Mesopotamia. After defeating him, Othniel kept peace in Israel for 40 years.

After Othniel's death the people returned to their former evil ways and were therefore delivered by God into the hand of Eglon king of Moab. With the help of the Ammonites and the Amalekites, the Mobites dominated the Israelites for 18 years. This time, when the Jews asked God for help, He picked a man named Ehud to assist them and to lead them. As a result, Israel enjoyed another period of peace and prosperity for 80 years.

There was another rather colorful character that was used of God to defeat some of Israel's enemies as well. His name was Shamgar. It seems that he was quite a warrior and an expert in martial arts or something.  He is remembered only for killing 600 Philistines with an ox goad.